“We’re sorry, but the number you called is no longer in service…” the operator said.

Maybe I dialed the wrong number.

I redialed Mrs. Grant’s number only to be greeted by the operator again. My mind began to race. Maybe she moved. Maybe she’s in the hospital… Maybe she passed away.

Passed away?

My eyes welled up with tears. She couldn’t pass away; she had been in my life since I started taking flute lessons from her at age nine. Sure, she was ninety-three now, but to me she was timeless. She never aged. She was just a wonderful old lady who loved everyone around her and could always offer a word of encouragement. And she had always been there.

But now she was gone.

Or was she? Perhaps something just happened to her phone.

I drove to the retirement community where she lived and asked at the front desk, bracing myself for the worst.

“She moved,” the receptionist answered.

“Moved? Where?”

“I don’t know. Her daughter came and moved her and didn’t leave a forwarding address.”

“Oh.”

She wasn’t in heaven yet, but she was still gone. I had no idea how to reach her or her daughter.

Mrs. Grant taught me far more than how to play the flute. She taught me about discipline, commitment, and hard work. She taught me respect, kindness, and patience. She was also the one who blessed me with a deep love and appreciation for music. She loved all her students, and we all loved her.

The last time I’d spoken to her was two months earlier. I didn’t know that might be our last conversation. I may never find her again before she passes. I wish I had told her how much I loved and appreciated her.

With that in mind, I am going to try to:

•  Not procrastinate when it comes to people—especially visiting old people. If the Lord puts an elderly aunt or church member on my heart, I’m going to go visit them soon—not in three months!
•  Speak kind words to others—because you never know if it’s the last thing you’ll ever say to them
•  Treasure the time I am given to share with others
• Have an attitude of gratitude and thank others for pouring into my life

If today was your last day what would you do differently?